AN OPEN MIND
True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, . . .
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 33
My alcoholic thinking led me to believe that I could control my drinking, but I couldn't. When I came to A.A., I realized that God was speaking to me through my group. My mind was open just enough to know that I needed His help. A real, honest acceptance of A.A. took more time, but with it came humility. I know how insane I was, and I am extremely grateful to have my sanity restored to me and to be a sober alcoholic. The new, sober me is a much better person than I ever could have been without A.A.
Just yesterday, after my meeting, I was telling a friend how it never ceases to amaze me that I'll have a question on my mind or have a thought I'm struggling with, and I hear my answer either in the reading we cover or in someone's sharing during the meeting. God has consistently guided me through the words of others who are sharing from their heart. The total honesty and lack of motive makes it so easy to have an open mind, to feel the presence of God, and know that He is directing all of us as servants to each other.
To further illustrate the point, I was talking to my father yesterday about how things are going, and he reminded me to stay humble, and to keep an open mind.
So here I am reading the daily reflection, covering exactly what was spoken of yesterday. God will always provide what I need to stay sober and joyous. He will even provide me the reminders of what it took to get here.
Humility is if the utmost importance for we recovering alcoholics. One of the purposes of, and some argue the main purpose of,the fourth step is a complete leveling of our pride. I head a saying once that has since stuck wit me: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." When I was the director of my life all I cared about was how things impacted me. My self interests were always my biggest concern.
ReplyDeleteI know of a dry drunk who is a close friend of mine who has not worked the program. I can see his alcoholic mind running 100 mph and he is still trying to be the director of his life. When things don't go his way it drives him nuts! I mention this because he has yet to perform a fourth step, or any step for that matter. As a result he is a self will run riot! To achieve true sobriety we must experience a complete leveling of our pride! It is only the that we begin to see that the world does not revolve around us, bu rather that we are in this world the play the role that our higher power has in store for us.
Keep performing a thorough fourth step! This is an investment in your continued sobriety.